1. Get a u2711 which is currently on sale for around $599. If you want to save a couple bucks and don't mind having a glossy display you could always get a 27" 2560x1440 monitor from Korea (eBay) for around $400.

2. I can't speak about future products but, it's likely that Apple would stop selling the Cinema Display if the new MP supported TB displays only.

1. Get a u2711 which is currently on sale for around $599. If you want to save a couple bucks and don't mind having a glossy display you could always get a 27" 2560x1440 monitor from Korea (eBay) for around $400.

2. I can't speak about future products but, it's likely that Apple would stop selling the Cinema Display if the new MP supported TB displays only.

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i like option 1, it is also hard to beat the 3 years advanced exchange warranty on it. im thinking of getting one. maybe the next Amex deal (150$ off of 600+$ purchase)

I currently use three 30" Dell UltraSharp monitors for work. I'm sorry I've forgotten the model number as I've had them for some time.

They are superb, I prefer them over the Apple Cinema Display and highly recommend them. However I've heard some models of the UltraSharp have poor brightness linearity so you'd have to be careful if you choose an UltraSharp you know which model.

As for Thunderbolt only displays or Mac Pros I'm sure Apple will sell an adapter for £25 if they don't already.

As for Thunderbolt only displays or Mac Pros I'm sure Apple will sell an adapter for £25 if they don't already.

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There likely isn't going to be a "forward compatible" adapter.

Display Port monitors work in backward compatible Thunderbolt (TB) sockets. (e.g., the current DisplayPort Apple Cinema Display will work in the TB socket of a 2013 Mac Pro if it had one. Same for any other monitor that has a DisplayPort input. ). As a mini DisplayPort, the current mDP to DVI , VGA , and Dual-Link DVI adapters work too.

If looking for a monitor that will work independent of what TB move Apple makes on the next Mac Pro ( or not ) then a DisplayPort one works well. A DisplayPort 1.2 one probably even better over the long term.

Thunderbolt monitors need a Thunderbolt socket. They don't work in Display Port only output sockets from a computer.

Conceptually someone could take a TB controller and solely just use it as a transformer for the DisplayPort subset of the traffic. That is likely to run into the same certification failure buzzsaw as "data only" TB hacks run into with personal computer implementations. Chopping "half" of what Thunderbolt does off is a red flag. Some data only (really PCI-e only) dongles (chain enders) will fly, but a completely dataless one is extremely odd because it is so unnecessary given the range of other better matched solutions out there ( DisplayPort -> DisplayPort ; no dongle ) .

Apple is out of the display business. Apple sells docking stations that have integrated LCD panels in them. The key question folks should ask is why a Mac Pro needs a docking station. If need a monitor focused product go look for one from folks that sell them.

1 - .... but will any new Apple display be TB only?
....
2 - Would the price go up or down on the current ACD if a new TB only display came out?

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Thunderbolt makes for a better docking station connector than the multiheaded hydra ACD. So yes, probably will be TB only. Also very likely to get tweaked to match the new iMacs in design (laminated glass and thinned edges and perhaps VESA out of the box like the new option. ). Pretty good chance to get bumped to having USB 3.0 . A new Mac Pro is gong to need a discrete USB 3.0 controller too, so they can share that component.

If Apple takes the Mac Pro to Thunderbolt they'll probably dump the ACD. ACD price probably isn't a matter of up or down in that case. If talking about the short term, while the supply dries up you could see a bit of both over time. Down as most folks flush inventory. Up as product gets rare for the speculators who hold on to them much longer in inventory.

The primary target for the ACD though isn't the Mac Pro. It was the miniDP laptops. Given those aren't being sold new anymore the ACD market quite likely has been tracking down already. BestBuy already has them on sale. There may be a deeper clearance sale too later after the flush. (Displays bought with a mac system though get covered by Mac's applecare. Bought independent, it is an additional policy.)

Display Port monitors work in backward compatible Thunderbolt (TB) sockets. (e.g., the current DisplayPort Apple Cinema Display will work in the TB socket of a 2013 Mac Pro if it had one. Same for any other monitor that has a DisplayPort input. ). As a mini DisplayPort, the current mDP to DVI , VGA , and Dual-Link DVI adapters work too.

If looking for a monitor that will work independent of what TB move Apple makes on the next Mac Pro ( or not ) then a DisplayPort one works well. A DisplayPort 1.2 one probably even better over the long term.

Thunderbolt monitors need a Thunderbolt socket. They don't work in Display Port only output sockets from a computer.

Conceptually someone could take a TB controller and solely just use it as a transformer for the DisplayPort subset of the traffic. That is likely to run into the same certification failure buzzsaw as "data only" TB hacks run into with personal computer implementations. Chopping "half" of what Thunderbolt does off is a red flag. Some data only (really PCI-e only) dongles (chain enders) will fly, but a completely dataless one is extremely odd because it is so unnecessary given the range of other better matched solutions out there ( DisplayPort -> DisplayPort ; no dongle ) .

Apple is out of the display business. Apple sells docking stations that have integrated LCD panels in them. The key question folks should ask is why a Mac Pro needs a docking station. If need a monitor focused product go look for one from folks that sell them.

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I was being a little cynical but thanks for the info. When you say they're out of the display business does that mean they'll stop selling Cinema Displays?

When you say they're out of the display business does that mean they'll stop selling Cinema Displays?

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I mean they aren't selling something focused on the function of being a display. For now it is a secondary or at best a major contributing function. It isn't any different than the LCD in a laptop or all-in-one.

A "display" with a fixed length cable and a MagSafe/Power cord, how many folks who are focused on displays sell something like that?

You can "happen to use" these "Displays" with an iMac , Mini , or Mac Pro, but they aren't primarily designed for these devices. They can be used in nice "photo opportunities" for desktop advertising and if the desktop users buy them it "bonus" money for Apple. It certainly helps present the facade that they are still in the "display" business (along with using 'Display' in the names), but they aren't.

To keep the price from dropping lower, Apple is going to continue to add stuff to the "Display". A decent quality IPS panel is heading for $300-400. Apple has had an around $1,000 display on the market for over a decade and a half. They'll continue to extend the product out of the range of primarily being a display to put a floor on pricing.

That doesn't really hurt them because folks who need a display will do what folks who need a printer do; buy from another vendor.

They don't have to move huge volume on these additional LCD embedded devices because they are extending the number of panels bought for the iMac. It is a profitable means to higher margins on iMacs.

I have enjoyed using an Apple 30" matt ACD with my old Mac Pro and due to its age (and FL lighting), I have looked at the new Apple 27" displays carefully. But the highly reflective glossy face on them always turned me off to them. However, my 2012 27" iMac has a fantastic display on it with less reflective glare and no internal "gap" reflections due to the bonding technique being used to build them.

I too am wondering if they will release new 27" ACDs with this bonding technology soon ... and offer a non-TB version for current Mac Pro users. Since I still have the 30" to use for now, I can wait and see ... but your situation needs immediate addressing, and I will be interested in what you decide on.

If you are considering the 27" ACD for your new Mac Pro, a Mac technician told me they had 3 customers warranty returns because their ACDs had dark smudges on the corners that needed replacement. LG is also the supplier of the glass screen for ACDs. Though this may just be an isolated case.

If you are considering the Dell ultrasharp series or other third party brands like Samsung or Viewsonic LEDs, try to check out their demo units first to get first hand experience before ordering. I used to have a Viewsonic 24" LED but sold it. I also checked out the Samsung LED and noticed that with LED screen, the viewing angle is narrower compared to LCDs. When you are viewing it at semi sideways, the image becomes reddish though this may be a non issue in general to most guys.

I am currently using an aged 23" Apple Cinema Display (2003 model ) and a 30" Apple display aluminum. I need the matte screens for layouting and photo editing and some after effects. Also the brightness slider, I only turn it a little over halfway as they are both bright enough. Their FL light is still white with no yellowing.

When I was examining the current 27" ACD demo unit, the brightness slider needs to be almost turned at maximum level for acceptable brigtness Again I guess to most people this is no big issue. I was just thinking not setting the brightness at maximum helps keep heat to a minimum level. Just my assumption as I may be wrong.

If you are considering the 27" ACD for your new Mac Pro, a Mac technician told me they had 3 customers warranty returns because their ACDs had dark smudges on the corners that needed replacement. LG is also the supplier of the glass screen for ACDs. Though this may just be an isolated case.

If you are considering the Dell ultrasharp series or other third party brands like Samsung or Viewsonic LEDs, try to check out their demo units first to get first hand experience before ordering. I used to have a Viewsonic 24" LED but sold it. I also checked out the Samsung LED and noticed that with LED screen, the viewing angle is narrower compared to LCDs. When you are viewing it at semi sideways, the image becomes reddish though this may be a non issue in general to most guys.

I am currently using an aged 23" Apple Cinema Display (2003 model ) and a 30" Apple display aluminum. I need the matte screens for layouting and photo editing and some after effects. Also the brightness slider, I only turn it a little over halfway as they are both bright enough. Their FL light is still white with no yellowing.

When I was examining the current 27" ACD demo unit, the brightness slider needs to be almost turned at maximum level for acceptable brigtness Again I guess to most people this is no big issue. I was just thinking not setting the brightness at maximum helps keep heat to a minimum level. Just my assumption as I may be wrong.

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Some good tips for me to watch out for. I will have to take a trip to the Apple store if I want to see the displays (60 miles).

Some good tips for me to watch out for. I will have to take a trip to the Apple store if I want to see the displays (60 miles).

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Wow, 60 Miles is a long trip and may not be worth it. Maybe if you can find any Apple dealer, not necessarily an Apple store or friends who may have an Apple display and would let you inspect and try it out. In checking out displays, I usually look at the images of people and how the display renders the skin color.

Some good tips for me to watch out for. I will have to take a trip to the Apple store if I want to see the displays (60 miles).

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In the US, it is likely there is a Best Buy ( or other authorized retailer) far closer than that Apple Store. Unless in an area with practically no stores (excluding Walmarts), there are other options in the gaps.

I maybe tougher to find top quality displays from other vendors (NEC, HP, Dell) though in those kinds of locations. The low-mid range stuff is on display in many places but slower moving stuff is usually limited.

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